FOOTBALL

Seahawks Cut Shaun Alexander

The Seattle Seahawks released former MVP Shaun Alexander, just 26 months after he signed a $62 million contract as the franchise’s cornerstone.

Seahawks president Tim Ruskell said yesterday the team released Alexander unconditionally hours after the running back passed a physical. It’s been a rapid fall for the 30-year-old. When he signed that mammoth deal, he was coming off an MVP season in 2005 and a Super Bowl appearance. Now he’s looking for work, coming off of two unimpressive and injury filled seasons.

BASEBALL

Smoltz 16th Pitcher to Reach 3,000 Strikeouts

John Smoltz became the 16th pitcher in major league history to reach 3,000 strikeouts when the Atlanta Braves’ right-hander struck out Washington’s Felipe Lopez in the third inning.

Smoltz, 40, received a standing ovation after Lopez swung and missed on a 2–2 pitch for the second out of the third inning.

SOCCER

Riise Own-Goal Gives Chelsea Hope

Liverpool’s John Arne Riise accidentally headed the ball into his own net in the fifth minute of injury time, giving Chelsea a 1-1 tie last night in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals.

Dirk Kuyt put Liverpool ahead in the 43rd minute when he beat goalkeeper Petr Cech from close range after Javier Mascherano’s mis-hit spun over Chelsea’s Claude Makelele. But Riise tied it when his diving header to clear Salomon Kalou’s cross for Nicolas Anelka went in from about 5 yards. Goalkeeper Pepe Reina had no chance to stop the ball.

Liverpool and Chelsea are meeting in the semifinals for the third time in four seasons.